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Miroslav Klose's goal in the latter stages of the match separated the two outfits in the Italian capital, but while the Nerazzurri boss could only praise the German striker for his well-taken finish, he felt his players deserved more for their efforts.

"[Lazio] played better in the first half. They put us under pressure, even though we suffered little," the 36-year-old told reporters after the game.

"During the second half, we gave a great performance. We deserved a goal, but this is football.

"Did we defend poorly for [Klose's] goal? We made a mistake in the first phase of play, but you just have to compliment him [for the finish]."

Stramaccioni's defensive critique was echoed by centre-back Andrea Ranocchia, who shouldered the blame for not sufficiently addressing Klose's winner but was unhappy with the conduct of hosts' stopper Michael Ciani.

"Could have we done more [to prevent Klose's goal]? He was my man so I take responsibility," he added. "It happened quickly and it did not give us time to react. It was still a great goal.

"Unfortunately, Ciani held me with both hands, and even before the corner had been taken, the referee had given him a talking-to.

"This is what happens in every football match. I wonder how the referee could not see it."